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Mercedes Benz GLA Engine & Performance

SUV craze is at its peak and the fixation to this body type is seen across all segments. While most manufacturers already have a SUV in their portfolio, others are scurrying to develop one at the earliest. Blame it on our roads or the fact that sitting higher up gives you the kick, whatever the case, this body type is seeing far more success than anyone had imagined. Coming to the luxury segment, SUV sales have seen a sharp rise during the recent past. The Mercedes-Benz’ SUV lineup comprising of the GL and ML contributes to nearly 25% of the company’s total sales in India. With this backdrop Mercedes-Benz is all set to launch the all new GLA-Class, which will not only be the starting point in the Stuttgart based manufacturer’s SUV ranks but will also give much needed competition to Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1. View Offers & Price on Mercedes Benz GLA in Pune at CarzPrice

It was Mercedes-Benz who introduced the concept of ‘Compact Luxury’ to India with the A-Class at a time when many pundits believed India was not ready for this segment. The success of the A-Class encouraged others to follow suit and BMW came up with the 1-Series while folks from Ingolstadt recently launched the A3. The GLA is based on the same platform as the A-Class (MFA Platform) and is a front-wheel drive vehicle. We drive the GLA around the picturesque roads of Himachal and find out if it cuts the mustard.

Mercedes Benz GLA Looks

The first thing that catches the eye is the new headlamp design, which features a new LED strip that extends from the upper outer corner toward the lower inner extremity. Called LED High Performance, the new headlamps are optional on the GLA250, replacing the previously available bi-xenon headlamps. Mercedes says that these headlamps are characterized by a color temperature similar to daylight and “relieve the strain on the eyes when driving at night.” Their energy consumption is also lower, at around 60 percent less than xenon and 70 percent less than halogen.

The grille is also new, sporting horizontal slats finished in black. This grille is offered on the more expensive trims as standard and optional on the base model, but it’s pretty cool and gives the small crossover a more rugged, SUV-like stance.”The GLA gained styling cues from the A-Class and elements from larger Mercedes crossovers.” More significant changes can be seen in the bumper, starting with the new foglamps that replaced the previous side grilles. The main intake is also larger, while the lower bumper also seems to have borrowed the more utilitarian cues of the larger Mercedes-Benz crossovers.

Moving onto the sides, we can see new wheel designs, while the rear fascia received slightly revised taillights and bumper. A new color, Canyon Beige, was added to the palette. The optional Night Package adds 19-inch AMG wheels and black window trim, exterior mirrors, roof rails, and exhaust tips, as well as sportier exterior accents.

All told, the revised GLA gained styling cues from the car it is based on, the A-Class hatchback, as well as elements from larger crossovers for a more SUV-like appearance.

Similar to the CLA-Class sedan, with which it shares many cabin components, the GLA looks like a traditional Mercedes inside. Big analog gauges, a clean center-stack design, and tight fit and finish impart the same premium feel shared across the Mercedes lineup. If you get up close and personal with the materials, however, you can see where the GLA falls short not only compared to more expensive Mercedes siblings but also rivals such as the Lexus NX and BMW X1.

The optional navigation system’s display looks like an aftermarket addition given its location perched high on the dash. On the upside, the screen is easy to read and fairly large. Although it takes a little getting used to, the column-mounted gear selector quickly becomes second nature and frees up valuable, easily accessed storage space on the console. A variety of cabin accents, which include walnut, ash, aluminum and (GLA 45 only) carbon fiber, dresses things up.

A modestly elevated driving position provides excellent forward visibility, but the shallow angle of the tailgate and thick roof pillars impede the view out back. Although there is a lot to like about the front row, the rear quarters are less accommodating and space is distinctly lacking compared with rivals such as the BMW X1 and Acura RDX. For example, the GLA has 27.1 inches of rear legroom and 53.2 inches of rear shoulder room, compared to the X1’s 37 inches/55.2 inches and the RDX’s 38.3 inches/57.2 inches. Fortunately, there’s enough headroom for adult passengers as long as you don’t order the sunroof.

Cargo space behind the GLA’s rear seats measures 14.9 cubic feet — among the smallest in the segment. Fold the rear seats down and you have 43.6 cubic feet available, which is less than most rivals and indicative of a compact hatchback. The standard power liftgate is nice, but the liftover is set quite high, making it a chore to load heavy luggage.

Mercedes Benz GLA Performance

The petrol version is powered by a 2.0-litre, in-line drive-train that is integrated with variable valve control technology and direct fuel injection system. This power plant comprises of 4-cylinders and 16-valves altogether making a displacement capacity of 1991cc. This DOHC based mill is also integrated with a turbocharger that helps it to deliver a maximum power of 181bhp at 5500rpm in combination with 300Nm of pounding torque between just 1200 to 4000rpm. While its diesel variants draw power from a 2.2-litre oil-burner that has the latest generation common rail fuel injection system. This motor is also based on DOHC valve configuration featuring 4-cylinders along with 16-valves, which displaces 2143cc. This motor is integrated with high pressure Piezo injectors that enables it to produce a maximum power of 134bhp in the range of 3600 to 4400rpm and yields a superior torque output of 300Nm between 1600 to 3000rpm. The car maker has paired both these motors with an efficient 7-speed DSG automatic transmission gearbox that releases the torque output to its front wheels.

Its oil-burner is integrated with a critically acclaimed CRDI fuel injection system featuring Piezo injectors. These are high pressure injectors, which enables the power plant to unleash immense power and at the same time, they also helps to deliver a maximum mileage of 17.7 Kmpl. While its petrol engine is incorporated with a conventional direct fuel injection system. This empowers the SUV to give away a maximum mileage in the range of 12 to 14 Kmpl.Its 4-cylindered diesel drive-train is based on DOHC configuration and displaces 2143cc. This turbocharged motor has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 134.1bhp in combination with 300Nm of hammering torque. Its petrol motor is also based on a 4-cylinder configuration and is integrated with variable valve control technology for optimum power generation. It can belt out 181.03bhp of maximum power along with 300Nm of hammering torque.

This SUV is bestowed with ‘comfort’ suspension system comprising multilink system for its rear axle and an independent strut suspension for the front one. In terms of braking, its front wheels are fitted with a sturdy set of ventilated disc brakes, whereas its rear ones are coupled to solid disc brakes. Aiding this mechanism is the anti lock braking system that works in combination with brake assist function to reduce the possibility of skidding. In addition to these, this SUV gets a latest generation electronic stability program that works in collaboration with curve dynamic and hill hold assist

Mercedes Benz GLA Rideing

It’s a lot softer-riding than the A-Class. The suppleness helps in the suburban grind, and it eases away the harshness of many motorway surfaces, too. Factor in the well-arranged driving position and it’s relaxing transport, marred only by noisy engines (both petrol and diesel) and a bit of wind noise. The handling is roly-poly but you’re always aware of what’s going on and the reactions and responses are accurate and prompt enough that it doesn’t loll about the place too badly. The 2.1-litre diesel comes in two outputs, the upper 170bhp version being exclusively 4WD (and quite capable off-road), and there’s also GLA 250 turbo petrol, but it isn’t a very charismatic engine. For information on contact details of Mercedes Benz car dealers in Mumbai

For charisma you’ll be needing the range-topping AMG GLA 45, a slightly bonkers 4WD device that hits 62mph in 4.8secs – genuinely, a tarmac rally car in kid gloves. The fully AMG-developed engine is an absolute blast and the whole thing works much better than you’d ever expect.

Mercedes Benz GLA Safety

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class comes standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes with automatic drying, front knee airbags, front side airbags and side curtain airbags (rear side airbags are optional). Standard technology features include Active Brake Assist, which uses radar to identify potential front-collision situations and intervenes with braking as necessary, and Attention Assist, which monitors the driver for signs of drowsiness or inattention. Mercedes’ Mbrace2 telematics system is also standard and includes automatic collision notification, an emergency response button, stolen vehicle location, remote car alarm notification to your phone and remote door lock/unlock.

Other safety-oriented options include a rearview camera, parking sensors bundled with an automated parking system, blind-spot monitoring and the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA is a worthy buy if you’re looking for a reliable, entry-level luxury subcompact SUV. While its interior is relatively upscale and attractive, don’t expect it to be as luxurious as more-expensive Mercedes-Benz models. It’s an entry-level SUV, after all, and like many in the class, the cabin materials reflect its base price ($32,850). Still, you can find a few competitors, like the less-expensive Audi Q3 ($31,800), that don’t compromise on interior material quality.

As for space, the GLA is one of the smallest vehicles in the class. It has cramped back seats and a low cargo capacity. The Q3’s cabin is fairly cramped too, but rivals like the BMW X1($33,100) have plenty of space in both rows. If you’re concerned about the GLA’s lack of space, a larger compact SUV like the BMW X3 ($39,250) may be a better choice, if it fits your budget.